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Latest items? Unedited? Fringe Report Uncut
F*****g Asylum Seekers
Verdict: Disappointing, embarrassing, ridiculous
Given the shocking title and recent electoral debate, F*****g Asylum Seekers disappoints – and on every level.
F*****g Asylum Seekers is set in a naturalistic bed-sit council flat with a pink fridge, leased by the central character Stuart. Stuart finds difficulty, as does tonight's audience, in accepting an invasion of asylum seekers. They come without warning, or indeed any real point. It's the first part of an implausible scenario, as hard to accept as the resulting life-changes.
Stuart is played by Andy McQuade, who sounds tonight like Roland Rat and performs in total isolation and with apparent lack of awareness of anyone or anything around him. It is an excruciatingly embarrassing performance. This is unfortunate, as he is described as principal actor.
The effect of the invasion has obvious consequences on both Stuart and his girlfriend Sarah - an over-the-top, unbelievable and far-too-aware performance by Miranda Magee.
Sarah has an affair with one of the asylum seekers - Bobo, played by an unrestrained Shaban Arifi - and subsequently becomes pregnant by him.
Via amateur film footage, conflict of culture, unbelievable intolerance and ridiculous dialogue, the play sets out to deal with the complex political and humane issues so pertinent to today's society.
The problem is that the subject-matter is treated in detrimental terms, which merely patronise the audience.
F*****g Asylum Seekers neither informs nor instructs, but merely highlights theatre as a weak metaphor for political address. The final tableau of the family of asylum seekers, dressed as political figures, confronting the audience on sensitive issues, smacks of an animated cartoon rather than a serious attempt to provoke thought.
Cast Credits: (alpha order): Shaban Arifi - Bobo. Kira Daniels - Makuka. Geir Kjelland - Kuku. Andy McQuade - Stuart. Miranda Magee - Sarah. Dominique Pannell - Vyanna. Actors on the screen: (alpha order): Scott Christie. Dan Horrigan. Corin Rhys Jones. Iaione Perez. Trine Thielen.
Company Credits: Written and Directed by Victor Sobchak. Stage Design – Nika Khitrova. Lighting Design – Diana Urlong. Production Manager – Helen L Alexander. Stage Manager – Mariana Sastre. Assistant Stage Manager – David Miller. Costume Design – Virag Deri. Company - Act Provocateur International.
END
(c) Mike Miller 2005
reviewed Saturday 23 April 05 / Cochrane Theatre
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012
www.fringereport.com
